Named after First Lord of the Admiralty, Edward Hawke by Captain Cook (a Lieutenant at the time), the Cape Hawke Lookout Track is on the northern end of the Booti Booti National Park. With only a 10-minute drive to travel the 11km from the centre of Forster, it was easy to find. Parking is available in a small carpark at the start of the track, but this will fill up quickly on a busy day. From here it’s uphill for 500m with 420 steps to the top. Don’t be put off by the climb, as there is a bench seat provided to sit and rest on before tackling the rest of the climb.
Maintained by NSW National Parks and Wildlife, the track was in very good condition during our visit. Trees have regrown around the 8m tower, but the view is still amazing and worth the climb.
The area is covered with littoral rain forest that is quite dense and very shady on a hot day. Although we heard animals moving through the vegetation, all we saw were some brush turkeys.
The walk downhill back to the car was much easier than going uphill.
Start of the track uphillMemorial to James Cook naming Cape Hawke on 12 May 1770The lookout towerThe view from the top of the lookout towerView of Forster from the lookout tower
Located in Sydney Australia, South Eveleigh has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. This transformation has turned an industrial site into a modern and dynamic precinct that combines technology, innovation, lifestyle, and heritage.
One of the major highlights of South Eveleigh is its rich industrial heritage. The site was once home to the Eveleigh Railway Workshops, which played a vital role in Sydney’s early rail history. Many of the original heritage buildings have been preserved and repurposed, offering a fascinating blend of historical charm and contemporary design.
History
Preserved within the workshop building, Bays 1 and 2 showcase a collection of machinery, tools, and artifacts used in the workshops, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the workers. Interpretive signs explain the significance and use of the tools and machinery.
Dating from 1887, the vast locomotive workship contains workshops for blacksmithing, boilermaking, and other essential trades. Importantly, these are not just static museum displays but remain in use. Courses are held locally teaching people these disappearing trades.
Current Use
Today, South Eveleigh serves as a hub for startups, tech companies, and creative industries. A modern high-tech interior provides office space for companies and business, while others house fitness centres and cafes.
A cafe within the main building is surrounded by old machinery and tool racks, while old steam powered hammer presses and boring machines are scattered throughout the office spaces.
A wonderful place to wander around, learning about the past, while surrounded by high-tech enterprises. After taking in the displays, there are cafes, restaurants and a brewery to relax at.
Old boiler roomWorkshop area. Still in use by hobbyistsTool roomWorkshop area. Still in use by hobbyistsNew business offices inside the old workshopsOld jig borer on displaySteam hammer on displayPhoto displayView from second floor showing cafe and brewery next to machinery displays
Located on the New South Wales mid-north town of Forster, The Tanks are a rock formation and rock pool. The name comes from the water tanks that were placed here in the 1890’s during the construction of the Forster breakwater. The water was used for steam strains that hauled rock from Bennetts Head to the site.
With the water tanks long gone, the area forms a natural swimming area protected from the ocean swell by the rock formation. At high tide it is completely full of water, but becomes shallower as the tide retreats. Depending on the surf, some waves crash over the rocks, adding fun for those swimming there.
We parked on Head Street next to Bicentennial Park which has a lovely grassed area, barbecue facilities and toilets. Pebbly Beach is close by and opposite the park. Remember to be careful in this area as the beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards.
Rock structure forming the swimming holeSwimming HoleSwimming HoleWaves coming over the rocksPebbly Beach
